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34 fatalities

Mountain Crash Near Loja Airport Involving Dual-Registered Aircraft (FAE683)

Loja, EcuadorFlight

On January 20, 1976, an Avro 748 (registration FAE683) operated by Transportes Aéreos Mercantiles Ecuatorianos - TAME was involved in an aviation accident near Loja, Ecuador in flight. 34 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the loss of altitude and the subsequent collision with ground was the consequence of orographic currents encountered over the mountainous area. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

Ten minutes after takeoff from Loja Airport, an aircraft lost altitude over mountainous terrain at 10,000 feet, struck trees, and crashed, killing 34 occupants and seriously injuring eight passengers.

Incident OverviewTen minutes after departing from Loja Airport, the aircraft was cruising over mountainous terrain at an altitude of 10,000 feet in good weather conditions. During this phase of flight, the airplane lost altitude, struck trees, and crashed on the mountain. The incident resulted in 34 fatalities among the occupants and left eight passengers with serious injuries.## Aircraft IdentificationThe aircraft involved in the accident carried a dual registration: FAE683 and HC-AUE. No additional details regarding the aircraft type, operator, or specific date of the incident are provided in the source material.## Probable CauseAccording to the official investigation findings, the loss of altitude and the subsequent collision with the ground are believed to have been the consequence of orographic currents encountered over the mountainous area.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jan 1976 Avro 748 accident near Loja, Ecuador?

Ten minutes after takeoff from Loja Airport, an aircraft lost altitude over mountainous terrain at 10,000 feet, struck trees, and crashed, killing 34 occupants and seriously injuring eight passengers.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Jan 1976 Avro 748 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 34 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jan 1976 involved an Avro 748, registration FAE683, operated by Transportes Aéreos Mercantiles Ecuatorianos - TAME, at Loja, Ecuador.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It is believed that the loss of altitude and the subsequent collision with ground was the consequence of orographic currents encountered over the mountainous area.

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